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Multiple stories highlight social media's power to rally support. An 88-year-old Michigan worker receives over $1.7 million after viral video; a young influencer raises funds for a veteran; and a tragic death at an amusement park prompts safety investigations. These stories showcase community kindness and ongoing tragedies, as of Sun, 14 Dec 2025 22:14:54 +0000.
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Merriam-Webster's 12th Collegiate Dictionary, due November 18, introduces modern terms like 'ghost kitchen' and 'cancel culture,' reflecting changes in language and society. The update comes amid declining print dictionary sales, with a focus on online content and revised entries to stay relevant.
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A shooting at a Mormon church in Grand Blanc, Michigan, resulted in multiple victims and a fire. The shooter is down, and authorities report no ongoing threat. The incident occurred shortly after the death of LDS Church President Russell M. Nelson.
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A 40-year-old man, Thomas Sanford, drove a pickup into a church in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, then opened fire, killing four and injuring eight. Sanford was shot and killed by police after setting the church on fire. The motive remains unclear, though Sanford held right-wing beliefs and supported Trump.
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Thomas Sanford, a former Marine with a history of drug addiction and anti-Mormon views, rammed his truck into a church in Grand Blanc, Michigan, set it on fire, and opened fire on worshippers, killing four and injuring eight. Sanford was killed by police at the scene. The attack followed a confrontation where Sanford expressed strong anti-Mormon sentiments.
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Florida officials have criticized a teacher for using the title 'Mx.' in a Gainesville school, citing a law that bans preferred pronouns and titles inconsistent with biological sex. The teacher is on administrative leave pending investigation amid legal and political pressure.
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Russell Nelson, the long-serving president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, died at age 101. His death follows a well-established leadership hierarchy, with Dallin H. Oaks expected to succeed him after Nelson's funeral scheduled for October 7. The church's leadership structure ensures a smooth transition despite Nelson's passing during a major conference.
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Indian aviation authorities are investigating multiple safety incidents involving Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliners, including an unexpected deployment of the Ram Air Turbine (RAT) during a flight from Amritsar to Birmingham on October 4, 2025. This follows a June crash in Ahmedabad linked to fuel cutoff switches. Boeing has been asked for detailed reports amid growing pilot and regulator concerns.
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Over the past week, several aircraft accidents have occurred globally, including a fatal crash in Massachusetts involving a small plane, a diverted Boeing 787 in India due to technical issues, and a fiery crash near Fort Worth, Texas. Investigations are ongoing, with no survivors reported in some cases.
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The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 2-1 that a middle school’s ban on shirts with vulgar political messages, including euphemisms, does not violate students' First Amendment rights. The case involved shirts supporting Trump and criticizing Biden, with the court emphasizing school authority over vulgarity.
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As of October 2025, Stellantis is moving Jeep Compass production from Brampton, Ontario, to Belvidere, Illinois, as part of a $13 billion US investment plan aimed at avoiding US tariffs. Canadian officials, including PM Mark Carney and Ontario Premier Doug Ford, have expressed disappointment and warned of legal action if commitments to Canadian workers are broken. The move highlights ongoing Canada-US trade tensions amid tariff disputes.
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Idaho has enacted the Medical Freedom Act, banning vaccine mandates and other medical interventions by government and private entities. The law challenges public health norms amid rising preventable disease cases and could influence other states' policies on vaccination requirements.
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UConn is favored to win the Big East again, coming off a 12th national title, while St. John’s is predicted to finish top for the first time since 1991-92, with both teams receiving strong preseason votes and rankings. The season begins soon.
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Ruben Torres Maldonado, detained at a Chicago-area Home Depot, faces deportation amid legal challenges. A judge ruled his detention illegal, citing due process violations, but did not order immediate release. His case highlights tensions over immigration enforcement and humanitarian concerns, especially with his daughter's cancer battle.
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A series of violent incidents include a toddler attack in Michigan, a murder in Israel, a deadly home invasion in Texas, and a death following cosmetic surgery in Colombia, all highlighting ongoing safety and justice concerns as of December 14, 2025.
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Global EV sales hit record highs in September, driven by Chinese consumer interest and European popularity. Meanwhile, China’s EV growth is expected to slow in 2026 due to subsidy reductions, with domestic automakers expanding internationally and challenging Tesla in premium segments. The Chinese government aims to double EV charging capacity by 2027.
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General Motors is laying off about 1,750 workers at its EV and battery plants in the US, citing slower EV adoption and regulatory changes. The company is downsizing its Detroit plant and pausing production at Ohio and Tennessee battery facilities, with plans to resume mid-2026. The move follows a $1.6 billion charge and end of federal EV tax credits.
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Chinese electric vehicle (EV) sales surged in 2024, driven by government support and overseas expansion, with BYD surpassing Tesla as top seller. However, recent regulatory scrutiny and a slowdown in China’s market have caused sales to decline, with BYD losing its top position in September and profits falling in Q4.
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On October 31, 2025, the FBI arrested five U.S. citizens aged 16 to 20 in Michigan, allegedly plotting a violent attack inspired by Islamic State for Halloween weekend. The suspects discussed plans in an online chat room referencing "pumpkin day." Authorities assured the public there is no current threat. Defense lawyers dispute the existence of a terror plot.
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The FBI arrested multiple suspects in Michigan over an alleged ISIS-inspired plot targeting Halloween. The suspects, including Mohmed Ali and Majed Mahmoud, stockpiled firearms and communicated online about attacking L.G.B.T.Q.+ locations. No attack occurred, and authorities say they stopped a massacre before it happened. The suspects appeared to plan around Halloween, with some scouting locations.
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A polar front is bringing frigid Arctic air across the US, causing record low temperatures, heavy snow, and hazardous travel conditions. Florida faces unusually cold wind chills, while northern states see significant snowfall and dangerous roads. The cold persists through the week.
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Michigan's Public Service Commission approved a rate structure requiring large data centers to sign long-term power contracts with penalties for early exit. Consumers Energy will cover infrastructure costs, but critics argue renewable energy requirements are lacking amid the state's clean energy goals. The decision reflects Michigan's effort to attract data industry growth amid uncertain demand and industry tax breaks.
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Larry Orr, who found a life ring from the Edmund Fitzgerald in 1975, will recover it as part of a settlement. The state will pay $600,000 to settle his police misconduct lawsuit, which also involved a discredited sexual abuse investigation. Orr needs funds for housing and his wife's car.
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Due to ongoing construction, the White House's holiday decorations are scaled back, with shorter tours and fewer rooms open to the public. First lady Melania Trump opted for traditional themes, while President Trump added personal touches, highlighting a contrast in holiday styles amid the renovation.
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Nevada's recent teacher pay increases have improved retention but led to a rise in inexperienced teachers, especially in charter schools. Concerns focus on the impact on instructional quality and subject expertise, amid ongoing efforts to address staffing and funding challenges.
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A story from Dearborn Heights highlights a community effort to display a large Christmas tree amid recent tensions, with local and cultural significance. Meanwhile, personal holiday experiences reflect changing traditions and rising costs, illustrating the varied ways families celebrate during the season.